Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Bell rejects Jazz's offer
Veteran guard Raja Bell has reportedly rejected an buyout offer from the Jazz. Bell is still under contract with the franchise and will earn $3.4 million for the 2012/13 NBA season. It was once thought that an buyout agreement had been reached earlier in the month but the situation has grown worse sense.
Barnes arrested
Free agent forward Matt Barnes was arrested last evening due to an outstanding misdemeanor traffic warrant and for allegedly threatening a police officer which is a felony. Bail was set at $51,000.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Robinson "We're gonna be better"
Speaking recently to Hoops Hype, NBA legend David Robinson gave a brief breakdown of why the Spurs failed to win a championship last season and what the future outlook could be.
"It was just the consistency. The young guys kind of got a little bit shaken up and they stopped doing what they did. They were playing so great… We were getting points off the bench, but all of a sudden we got nothing the last four games. Same thing happened to the Thunder. Their bench went south in the Finals. They got no help, it was just [Russell] Westbrook and [Kevin] Durant all the time. You gotta have the balance, especially for an older team like us. We have to have that balance. Our guys will be a year older, a year more mature… I think we’re gonna be better. We’ll be right there again next season."
"It was just the consistency. The young guys kind of got a little bit shaken up and they stopped doing what they did. They were playing so great… We were getting points off the bench, but all of a sudden we got nothing the last four games. Same thing happened to the Thunder. Their bench went south in the Finals. They got no help, it was just [Russell] Westbrook and [Kevin] Durant all the time. You gotta have the balance, especially for an older team like us. We have to have that balance. Our guys will be a year older, a year more mature… I think we’re gonna be better. We’ll be right there again next season."
Ewing addresses Dream Team debate
Speaking to NBATV recently, Patrick Ewing voiced his opinion on who'd win between the Dream Team and the 2012 version of Team USA. The playful war of words begin when Kobe Bryant suggested that Team USA could defeat the Dream Team.
"There's no comparison really," said Ewing "They're a lot smaller than we were....They're kind of light in the middle. Myself and David Robinson, we would have had a field day. ... I'm not going to say we would have creamed them. Best out of 10, I'd say we'd have beaten them 10 out of 10."
"There's no comparison really," said Ewing "They're a lot smaller than we were....They're kind of light in the middle. Myself and David Robinson, we would have had a field day. ... I'm not going to say we would have creamed them. Best out of 10, I'd say we'd have beaten them 10 out of 10."
Hunter to join Magic
Former NBA point guard Lindsey Hunter is slated to join the Orlando Magic as an assistant coach. Hunter was a candidate for the team's head coaching position before it went to Jacque Vaughn. Hunter played in the NBA for 17 seasons and finished his career during the 09/10 season with the Chicago Bulls.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Howard decision coming?
Free agent forward Josh Howard will make a decision on who to sign with soon. According to sources, five teams have pursued Howard and they are Utah, Indiana, the Warriors, Nets, and Knicks.
Magic Johnson addresses Kobe/LeBron
Speaking with the LA Times, NBA great Magic Johnson addressed whether or not Kobe Bryant and LeBron James would be able to play on The Dream Team.
“You have to say Kobe would definitely make it,” Johnson said. “He’s unbelievable. We’re so lucky and so fortunate we get a chance to watch Kobe play every single night here in L.A. LeBron is the best all-around player in the game so he would definitely make our team. Kevin Durant would have a shot as well. You have two definitely in with Kobe and LeBron.”
“You have to say Kobe would definitely make it,” Johnson said. “He’s unbelievable. We’re so lucky and so fortunate we get a chance to watch Kobe play every single night here in L.A. LeBron is the best all-around player in the game so he would definitely make our team. Kevin Durant would have a shot as well. You have two definitely in with Kobe and LeBron.”
Team USA Schedule
Sunday, July 29
9:30 a.m. — USA vs. France
Tuesday, July 31
5:15 p.m. — USA vs. Tunisia
Thursday, August 2
5:15 p.m. — USA vs. TBA
Saturday, August 4
9:30 a.m. — USA vs. TBA
Monday, August 6
5:15 p.m. — USA vs. Argentina
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Magic finds a coach
Jacque Vaughn has been named the head coach of the Orlando Magic.
Love caught slipping
You can call it Team USA Strikes Back but payback can be sweet as members of the Team USA basketball caught Kevin Love slipping. Love caught team members napping days ago and shared it with the world.
Harden to Suns?
OKC Thunder reserve guard James Harden recently spoke to the media and indicated that he would be open to playing with the Phoenix Suns after his contract with the Thunder expires next season. At this time Harden's future with OKC is unclear due to salary cap restrictions going forward.
"Yeah," he said. "Of course. I love it there. My mom lives there still. So that's definitely my second home as far as my comfort level and going to school there. But obviously, I'm with the Thunder right now and what we have is special."
"Yeah," he said. "Of course. I love it there. My mom lives there still. So that's definitely my second home as far as my comfort level and going to school there. But obviously, I'm with the Thunder right now and what we have is special."
Rivers undergoes surgery
New Orleans Hornets rookie Austin Rivers underwent successful surgery Friday to remove bone spurs from his right ankle. Rivers is expected to be ready for training camp.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Big Winner and Loser of the NBA Schedule
As you all know, the 2012/13 NBA TV schedule was released last evening and upon analyzing said schedule, the biggest loser would happen to be the Orlando Magic. In a move that would indicate that the NBA doesn't see Dwight Howard in Orlando much longer, the Magic will only appear on National Television twice. The biggest winners are the Minnesota Timberwolves who will be on National TV a total of 14 times. I guess you can call it the Kevin Love effect.
David Stern addresses the "Dwightmare"
Speaking to USA Today Sports by telephone, David Stern addressed the Dwight Howard saga that has plagued the league the entire off season. Stern even suggested that Howard's own agent is the "source" behind all of the leaked information.
"It's very unique, especially if it's driven by a quote source that happens to be Dwight's agent," Stern said" 'A source in the meeting. Oh, OK, who might that be?.....To me, it is the soap opera our fans turn in for - the drama on the court and the drama off the court," Stern said. "When we cease to have a story popping up, we probably won't exist.....I think what it is, is that that's the way we are. That's the way it has been in baseball and the NFL and hockey and basketball. And frankly, it engages our fans, it engages our reporters, it engages our bloggers. It makes people happy, mad, sad. It's just the life in sports."
"It's very unique, especially if it's driven by a quote source that happens to be Dwight's agent," Stern said" 'A source in the meeting. Oh, OK, who might that be?.....To me, it is the soap opera our fans turn in for - the drama on the court and the drama off the court," Stern said. "When we cease to have a story popping up, we probably won't exist.....I think what it is, is that that's the way we are. That's the way it has been in baseball and the NFL and hockey and basketball. And frankly, it engages our fans, it engages our reporters, it engages our bloggers. It makes people happy, mad, sad. It's just the life in sports."
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Green gets paid
Jeff Green and the Boston Celtics have agreed on a 4 year deal worth $36 million. Terms of the agreement are still being ironed out but this is a sure thing. Green underwent heart surgery last season but has been cleared to return to the NBA.
Classic Photo
Kevin Love snapped a classic photo of his Team USA teammates apparently sleeping while traveling from Barcelona to London.
Turiaf signs
The LA Clippers have added to their front court depth by adding NBA veteran center Ronny Turiaf. Turiaf will be playing for his 7th NBA franchise in his 8th career year and spent last season playing for the NBA Champion Miami Heat.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The Nets to open against....
The Brooklyn Nets will open their 2012/13 season against their rivals the New York Knicks in Brooklyn.
League News
NBATV will announce 2012/13 team schedules tomorrow night at 7pm est.
Ak-47 returns?
Andrei Kirilenko is ready to return to the NBA but the Brooklyn Nets are out of the question. According to Yahoo! Sports, the Minnesota Timberwolves are the front runners to land Kirilenko who last played in the NBA for the Utah Jazz during the 2010/11 season.
Yao Ming speaks on Jeremy Lin
Former Rockets franchise player Yao Ming recently addressed Jeremy Lin coming to the Houston Rockets. Yao wasn't apart of the Rockets' recruiting of Lin but is very happy that his friend is apart of the franchise.
“I consider Jeremy Lin a very good puzzle (piece) for the reconstruction of the Rockets. He is an excellent team player, and at the critical time he will not be soft, which has been proven in the past. But most important is his experience, just like the Rockets, always underestimated by others. This kind of environment created his invincible personality.”
“I consider Jeremy Lin a very good puzzle (piece) for the reconstruction of the Rockets. He is an excellent team player, and at the critical time he will not be soft, which has been proven in the past. But most important is his experience, just like the Rockets, always underestimated by others. This kind of environment created his invincible personality.”
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
West decides
Despite strong interest from the Lakers, guard Delonte West has agreed to return to the Mavericks.
More moves by Boston
The Boston Celtics have re-signed guard Keyon Dooling who's primary role is to backup Rajon Rondo. Dooling agreed to return via the veteran's minimum. Forward Mickael Pietrus may not return to the franchise however due to him wanting more than the veteran minimum and at this time that's all the Celtics have to offer.
Lakers interested in West?
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportadly interested in signing veteran guard Delonte West to bolster their bench. According to sources, the Dallas Mavericks would like to re-sign West who averaged 9.3 points and 3.2 assists with the franchise last season.
Did Jeremy Lin grow cocky?
While speaking to the Mercury News Newspaper, Rockets guard Jeremy Lin admitted that at times Lin Sanity got to his head.
“If I’m being honest, in some ways, yes (Linsanity did get into his head),” Lin told this newspaper. “I fought it every day. But I think subconsciously it had its effect, everyone catering to you. People were saying only good things for so long that when people said negative stuff, it was like, ‘Whoa, what’s going on?’…
“I will always, always have doubters,” Lin said. “But I really want to reach my potential to bring glory to God. That is more motivation than haters and doubters. I want to work just as hard, give just as much, whether or not I have haters.”
Knicks add to backcourt depth
The New York have come to terms with veteran guard Ronnie Brewer. Brewer will have a 1 year contract with the Knicks and the addition of Brewer could allow Melo to play more at the power forward position.
Lopez's future
The Suns and restricted free agent Robin Lopez have yet to agree on terms of a new contract. The Suns would like to keep Lopez but the Hornets are also interested in acquiring the big man. The Hornets don't want to sign Lopez to an offer sheet due to fear of the Suns matching the offer so they'd rather complete a sign and trade for his services.
Dwight Howard update
According to sources, Orlando Magic GM Rob Hennigan and his staff will fly to Los Angeles and deliver a face to face presentation with their disgruntled superstar in an attempt to convince Howard to remain with the Orlando Magic.
Bulls make decision
Later today the Chicago Bulls will announce that they do not intend to match the Houston Rockets offer to center Omer Asik.
Foye signs
The Utah Jazz have decided to sign veteran NBA guard Randy Foye to a one year deal.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Miami Heat to open against......
The Miami Heat will open next NBA season on Oct 30th against non other than the Boston Celtics.
Chicago's master plan?
It seems as if the Chicago Bulls are taking a page from the Miami Heat. We at The Real NBA have said for months that the Bulls have no cap space and that's why they weren't able to make a splash in fre agency as some fans have expected. According to sources, this is all apart of their master plan as the Bulls will not make significant changes to their roster for the next two seasons until the summer of 2014/15 when the Bulls could have between $48-50 million in cap space. Ironically enough, it will be the same time that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh can opt out of their contracts with the Miami Heat and become free agents.....stay tuned!
O.J. Mayo speaks on the state of the Mavericks
While being introduced to the media, new Mavericks guard O.J. Mayo spoke about the future of the franchise and what he can bring to the team.
“I felt that with Kidd and Terry leaving, it’s an opportunity to go play with a team that’s definitely a contender right away,” said Mayo, 24. “A great player like Dirk, after the exit last year, I’m pretty sure he wasn’t too happy, so I know he’s going to come back this year fired up, as well as the rest of the guys....The first thing, bring some youth to a team that’s conquered at all levels, that’s needed,” he said. “I think some new fresh bodies and legs are good for the team. It’s a great organization. Hopefully I’ll just come in and keep the same things going"
“I felt that with Kidd and Terry leaving, it’s an opportunity to go play with a team that’s definitely a contender right away,” said Mayo, 24. “A great player like Dirk, after the exit last year, I’m pretty sure he wasn’t too happy, so I know he’s going to come back this year fired up, as well as the rest of the guys....The first thing, bring some youth to a team that’s conquered at all levels, that’s needed,” he said. “I think some new fresh bodies and legs are good for the team. It’s a great organization. Hopefully I’ll just come in and keep the same things going"
Q&A: Chris Paul
Before their matchup with Argentina, Team USA fielded questions and below is Chris Paul's Q&A session:
A lot of players have gone from small-market teams to bigger cities and they are usually not popular among fans in their original NBA cities. It's not your case in New Orleans. Why do you think is that, that you are still popular over there?
CP: You know, it's not about me, being popular in New Orleans. I'll always love the city of New Orleans. Even though I don't play there right now, I'm always there, I always go back. I have an after-school program there that is for kids in inner-city schools. I want to try to remain involved in the community there. I'm not here on this USA National Team if not for the fans in New Orleans. I don't know why they love me back. I was there six of the best years of my life. I love the city there, and I think we have a lot in common. Having to overcome adversity... It was just a connection that I will never forget.
How do you feel about the Clippers' offseason additions? Grant Hill, Jamal Crawford, Chauncey Billups...
CP: We had a big offseason. Our front office did an outstanding job bringing some players in. I'm excited to get back and play with my teammates.
Were you active recruiting players?
CP: Yeah, no question. I talked to Grant, talked to Chauncey, talked to Jamal... Talked to just everybody I possibly could.
What was your pitch to convince those guys?
CP: My thing was, first of all, this is a first-class organization. Our front office and our staff is one of the best in the league. I also was just telling them how fun it would be to play with me, Blake [Griffin], DeAndre [Jordan] and Caron Butler.
It's going to be a pretty good locker room next season with leaders like Billups, Hill, yourself... That should have a good effect on the young players.
CP: No question, no question. The guys like Trey Thompkins, Eric Bledsoe, Travis Leslie... They couldn't ask for a better locker room. We have a lot of veteran leadership and a lot of really good guys.
Which of the young guys do you think has to step up the most?
CP: All of us. I have to come back and be better, Blake has to be better. One of the key factors for us is DJ, DeAndre. He's so explosive down low and we're going to need more out of him just like the rest of us.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Q&A: Mark Cuban
During a recent NBA TV telecast, Mark Cuban answered the following questions when it came to the Dallas Mavericks' off season.
On the acquisition of point guard Darren Collison and the signings of free agent center Chris Kaman and forward Elton Brand:
“You can’t replace Jason Kidd. There’s just no way. But at the same time, there’s going to be a lot of things we couldn’t do. You know, ‘J’ could take over a game defensively and he could help us get where we needed to go, but he was just a spot-up shooter. Now, we’ve got a lot of people who are going to force people to really defend us.
“(Kaman and Brand) takes a lot of pressure off of Dirk. ”Last year, you didn’t really have to defend our 5 position. You didn’t have to defend our point guard position. Now you’re going to have to defend all five, and that’s going to make life a little bit easier.”
The signing of guard O.J. Mayo:
“He can play. He knows how to impact a game. We were looking at players and one of the things Michael Finley, who’s now kind of an assistant assistant general manager, said, you want to get somebody that the other team has got to game plan for, that the other team is afraid of at the end of the game, that they can make something happen. We didn’t really have someone who could really just create off the dribble, who we could just give the ball. Jet was a great shooter, Jet did a lot of amazing things, but we needed somebody who could get a lot younger and do a lot of the same things and then some.”
The off-season, which began with the Mavericks falling short in their effort to sign free-agent Deron Williams:
“We knew with the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) that there was going to be a little bit of a rush early on, but then there were going to be a lot of really good players falling through the cracks. When there were, we were ready to pounce. And we think we put together a really nice team.
“We think we’ve positioned ourselves so that we have a young nucleus. We can keep these guys, let them jell and play together, build around Dirk and have room for hopefully someone to come or to trade or whatever happens.”
Collins to Celtics?
Veteran big man Jason Collins has agreed to sign with the Boston Celtics, Collins had spent the last several season playing with the Hawks as their "certified" Dwight Howard stopper.
Brooklyn loses Mohammed
For weeks in NBA circles it was known that Nazr Mohammed had intended on signing with the Nets but something strange happened and now Mohammed has agreed to sign with the Bulls. Mohammed was in Brooklyn the last couple days to finalize the deal but something went terribly wrong.
Vaughn to Orlando?
The head coaching search in Orlando seems to be coming to an end as recently front runner Jacque Vaughn had a second interview with the organization. Vaughn has ties to the organization that hasn't been spoken about yet but it should land him the job.
- Vaughn played for the Magic during the "02-03" season
- He worked in San Antonio while Magic GM Rob Hennigan was in that front office
- The Magic could land Vaughn for cheap
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Beasley matures?
Phoenix Suns forward Michael Beasley feels as if the days of him trouble making are over, while speaking to the media after being formally introduced as a member of the Suns, Beasley stated the following:
"I realize 10 minutes of feeling good is not really worth putting my life and my career and my legacy in jeopardy," he said, "so I'm confident to say that that part of my career, that part of my life, is over and won't be coming back...."I've really realized my potential.....I've really realized what I can do."
"I realize 10 minutes of feeling good is not really worth putting my life and my career and my legacy in jeopardy," he said, "so I'm confident to say that that part of my career, that part of my life, is over and won't be coming back...."I've really realized my potential.....I've really realized what I can do."
Howard undecided
Veteran NBA forward Juwan Howard hasn't decided yet if he'll return to the NBA for 19th season. Howard spoke to the media at a recent children's event and stated the following:
"I still have the itch," Howard said "I still have the passion and the love for the game. More importantly, I still like staying in shape and I can't sit on my behind. I'm still iffy as far as if I want to come back and play or not, but I'll tell you one thing — once I decide, I want to be ready. So I am working out ... ready for whatever happens......"This is a special moment, a special time for this team," Howard said. "I'm still smiling, every day. Walking around throughout the city, people of course are patting you on the back, they're so proud of this past season and our accomplishments. But now it's time for us to really look back on what has happened throughout the season, be proud of all the hard work we put into it."
Asik signs sheet
What has been rumored for days has finally come to pass, Bulls backup center Omer Asik has formally signed the Houston Rockets offer sheet worth around $25 million. The Bulls are now on the clock to match the offer and they will have until 10:59 pm of the third day after they have received to do so.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Suns make it official
The Phoenix Suns have also signed NBA forward and former #2 overall pick Michael Beasley to a multi year deal.
Suns re-sign Brown
The Phoenix Suns has re-signed guard Shannon Brown to a 2 year deal to bolster their roster, despite losing Steve Nash, the Suns have rebounded nicely.
Kevin Love addresses the current state of the Timberwolves
During a telephone interview with US Media, Kevin Love spoke about many topics but the one that stood out was the apparent bad blood that was in the Timberwolves locker room in the past.
"If we get everybody back healthy, with Ricky back healthy, if Roy comes in healthy, and if we can get off to a good start, we're going to be good. But we really have to add as many as pieces as we possibly can, veteran guys," he said. "There was some bad blood in that locker room we were able to get out of there and smooth things out. That should help us out going forward."
"If we get everybody back healthy, with Ricky back healthy, if Roy comes in healthy, and if we can get off to a good start, we're going to be good. But we really have to add as many as pieces as we possibly can, veteran guys," he said. "There was some bad blood in that locker room we were able to get out of there and smooth things out. That should help us out going forward."
NBA Rule Changes
At any point in the game, officials can now check video replay on all flagrant fouls.
Officials can now use video replay in the final two minutes or overtime to decide whether a defender was in or out of the restricted area around the basket on charge and blocking fouls.
Replay can also be used for goaltending calls in the late stages games as well.
Allowing small advertising patches on uniforms starting in the 2013-14 season
Officials can now use video replay in the final two minutes or overtime to decide whether a defender was in or out of the restricted area around the basket on charge and blocking fouls.
Replay can also be used for goaltending calls in the late stages games as well.
Allowing small advertising patches on uniforms starting in the 2013-14 season
Felton addressed weight gain
When speaking about his lackluster play upon being traded away from the Knicks in the Carmelo Anthony deal, Raymond Felton attributed it to weigh gain while speaking recently to the media.
“I wasn’t at the weight I normally [am],” Felton said. “I am the first one to say, ‘I wasn’t in shape.’ I don’t make no excuses, I don’t blame anyone else....I am hearing from everybody, ‘He wasn’t in shape last year.’ I played in the league seven years, about to be eight, came in out of shape one year and that’s all everybody wants to talk about. … I look forward to this year and shutting up everybody’s mouth.”
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Perkins undergoes surgery
It seems as if OKC Thunder center was more banged up than we knew. Today Perkins underwent successful surgery on his left wrist to repair a torn ligament.
Irving undergoes surgery
Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving underwent successful surgery yesterday on his broken right hand. All signs point to Irving being ready for training camp as it will take him 6-8 weeks to heal.
Howard ready to sign?
Dwight Howard is ready to sign a contract extension with the Lakers but the Orlando Magic may still wait until they can get the "right" deal for Howard before dealing him.
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